Dr. Matthew Becker

Biosketch

Matthew Becker is the W. Gerald Austen Endowed Chair in the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at The University of Akron. Professor Becker joined UA in 2009 where he is a Professor of Polymer Science and Biomedical Engineering. To date, his group has published more than 100 papers and has 20 patents pending. He is the founder of two start-up companies, 3D BioResins & 3D BioActives. In 2015, Professor Becker was one of two scientists worldwide under 40 named Macromolecules-Biomacromolecules Young Investigators.

Professor Becker completed his PhD in organic chemistry in 2003 at Washington University in St. Louis under the direction of Professor Karen L Wooley as an NIH Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Fellow. In 2003, Dr Becker moved to the Polymers Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology for a NRC Postdoctoral Fellowship in biophysics. He joined the permanent staff in 2005 and led projects in bioimaging and combinatorial methods for tissue engineering working with the NIH, Industry and FDA to advance measurement methods for combination products. He received his BS in chemistry in 1998 from Northwest Missouri State University.

Dr. Becker's Research Website

Research Interests

My group focuses on synthesizing macromolecular materials, which stimulate and influence cell functions including proliferation, differentiation and internalization. These materials incorporate bio-functional species in a controlled manner with the goal of directing cell responses. We are developing new peptide-and DNA-based ligands and nanoparticle reporters for the characterization of molecular signatures, which occur during these processes. The knowledge gained from these studies impacts numerous areas in biomaterials, regenerative medicine, and the detection of disease states, including cancer.